notes from Br. Dayamrita's Toronto program

[Guest guest]

I'm not much of a note-taker (not since my previous

life as a university student!), but here are a few

notes from the retreat with Br. Dayamrita last

Saturday..

 

Keval

 

 

 

During the morning talk, Swamiji discussed the "Pancha

Yagna", five duties or sacrifices in daily ife:

 

1. Deva Yagna - offerings to the devas/devis, i.e.

prayers, pujas, temple worship.

 

2. Rishi Yagna - offerings to those who give

knowledge, chanting one's mantra, studying scriptures,

reading Amma's books, sharing Amma with others.

 

3. Pitra Yagna - to one's ancestors, such as

grandparents; also taking care of elderly people.

 

4. Nara Yagna - to other people, e.g. being nice to

your neighbors, co-workers, etc.

 

5. Bhuta Yagna - to nature, plants, animals and the

environment, e.g. the 3 r's (reduce, re-use, recycle),

growing a tulasi plant.

 

 

A few of the questions and answers during the

afternoon Q&A:

 

Does it help to know Malayalam when attempting to

converse with Amma?

 

Knowing Malayalam is not an advantage and may even be

an impediment, as Amma's words go beyond intellectual

or physical meaning. Ignorance (of Malayalam) is

bliss. Amma speaks non-standard Malayalam, sometimes

even difficult for native Keralans to understand.

 

Was Amma pleased with last summer's Toronto programs?

 

Of course, or she wouldn't be coming back!

 

What inspired you to become a swami?

 

"No inspiration, all perspiration!"

 

Do you miss your previous lifestyle before meeting

Amma?

 

I miss the music and dance I have no regrets or

problems [with being a brahmachari]...it is one of the

greatest achievements in a human birth to be in the

presence of a mahatma such as Amma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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